Tensing leg muscles during sleep - help!

[blackhillsbiker]

This might sound strange, but try a supplement containing Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D. This seems to quiet down my legs considerably at night.

Deb

[nscrbug]

This might sound strange, but try a supplement containing Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D. This seems to quiet down my legs considerably at night.

Deb

Hmmm...I currently take ALL of those supplements (have for over a year) but still get the "urge" to tense my legs and point my toes. Could this possibly be a form of restless leg syndrome?

[deskrider]

I'm sorry, but I don't know what "trigger points" are?

[out_spokin']

Not the same thing, but I'll throw this in the ring -- the only time I get cramps at night are when I'm dehydrated. I've also noticed my partner gets pretty bad muscle twitching some nights, and I'd be willing to bet quite a lot that those are the least hydrated days. Good luck in any case!

[OakLeaf]

I was hoping someone who knows what she's talking about would chime in...

Trigger points are basically places where the fascia has gotten knotted up and desiccated. Most commonly it's poor biomechanics that gets them started, but once they're there, it can really become a vicious cycle with chronic muscle tightness. You can work them out by applying direct pressure. Depending on where they are in the body, you can use a foam roller, foam ball, spiky ball, "Stick" or rolling pin, walking on pebbles for the plantar fascia, your thumb, a massage therapist's thumb, massage tools like a Thera-Cane, Ma Roller .... lots of options.

Probably your best bet for getting into the hammies is a foam roller or foam ball. Really good things to have around anyway.

Myofascial work first, then stretch.

If the points are close enough to the surface, you can feel them as hard knots in the muscles. They'll hurt when you apply pressure, but it's one of those "hurt so good" things as they dissipate. If they've been there for a while it'll take consistent treatment to get them out completely. If they don't stay away, you probably want to have a physical therapist look at your biomechanics.